When, with what and how much?

Correctly dose bromeliad fertilizer - this is how it works

Bromeliads extract vital carbon from the air in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). What the tropical houseplants also need in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium is provided by a liquid fertilizer. Although special bromeliad fertilizers are available in stores, they contain more commercially available ones Flower fertilizer(€ 71.80 at Amazon *) also all important components. The dosage depends on the type of bromeliad, as the following overview shows:

• Funnel bromeliads, such as Guzmania, Vriesea or Aechmea: 75 to 100 percent concentration
• Untied Bromeliads, such as Tillandsia or Dykia: 25 to 50 percent concentration

Please adjust the dosage to the individual growth behavior of your Bromeliad away. If in doubt, reduce your concentration. An undersupply of fertilizer is quickly compensated for, while an overdose can hardly be remedied and significantly affects vitality and flowering.

Tips on fertilization intervals and application

Although bromeliads do not go into hibernation in the true sense of the word, they still shift down a gear during the cold and low-light period. You should therefore adjust the fertilization phases to the course of the vegetation. That is how it goes:

• April to June: fertilize every 2 weeks
• July to September: fertilize weekly
• October to March: Do not fertilize or every 4 to 6 weeks
• Add fertilizer to the lime-free irrigation water
• Potted bromeliads in the funnel(€ 4.58 at Amazon *)to water
• Spray tied bromeliads
• In summer give the fertilizer in the evening
• In winter, ideally fertilize in the morning or noon

Deciduous Bromeliad species, like Pitcairnias, do not receive any fertilizer in winter. The vast majority of evergreen species content themselves with a little liquid fertilizer once a month, but can also do without the nutrient supply if in doubt. It is important to note that fertilizers and water have a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius. A bromeliad fertilizer achieves its optimum at 21 degrees Celsius, while it loses its effectiveness from 25 degrees Celsius.